The authors, researchers at the National University of Ireland, University of Leiden, and University of Wales, formulated the study aiming to test a Relational Frame Theory (RFT) model of analogical reasoning based on the relating of derived same and derived difference relations.The behavioral and neurophysiological data support the RFT prediction that, all things being equal, similar-similar responding is relationally "simpler" than, and functionally distinct from, different- different analogical responding. The ERP data were fully consistent with findings in the neurocognitive literature on analogy. These findings strengthen the validity of the RFT model of analogical reasoning and supplement the behavior-analytic approach to analogy based on the relating of derived relations.

Comments:

This study used event related potentials to test the RFT prediction that same-same relations are simpler and functionally distinct different-different analogical reasoning. Reaction times were significantly longer, and waveforms were significantly more negative for different-different than they were for same-same relations. This is consistent with the prediction based on RFT.